Woman Files Lawsuit Against Town Alleging Discrimination For Inaccessible Parking on Cermak Rd.
By Ankur Singh
Laura Gonzales lives seven miles away and visits Cicero several times a month to buy groceries from local Latinx grocery stores and bakeries. After a spinal cord injury from a car accident left her paraplegic, she now uses a wheelchair and drives a van that needs accessible parking. But, public on-street parking on Cermak road between South Lombard and South Laramie is inaccessible, according to Gonzales, making mobility difficult for individuals who use wheelchairs.
On January 2, 2020, Gonzales filed a federal lawsuit against the Town of Cicero and President Larry Dominick who she claims is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
At the request of Gonzales’ attorney an accessibility specialist documented mobility barriers on Cermak road between South Lombard and South Laramie. They found that only three of the 13 accessible parking spaces have access aisles, there is no easy route from a parking space to a sidewalk, and there are no accessible curb ramps for the majority of parking spaces.
What accessible parking should look like, according to the ADA National Network.
According to the Department of Justice, the ADA, “guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life -- to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and local government programs and services.”
Gonzales’ attorney raised concerns about the lack of accessible parking on Cermak road with a letter addressed to Dominick in October 2018. The Town of Cicero responded in January 2019 by saying that Cermak would be resurfaced that spring and that the resurfaced parking spaces would comply with the ADA.
By the end of the summer the street was indeed resurfaced, but according to the lawsuit the Town did not follow through on its promise to ensure the repaved street would include accessible parking.
This parking space near 61st ave and Cicero rd lacks access aisles and a ramp to the sidewalk.
The lawsuit further states that the Town’s decision not to provide Gonzales with her requested accommodation despite being aware of her disability constitutes “intentional discrimination.”
Attorneys for Dominick and the Town of Cicero have until February 27 to respond to the complaint. A status hearing is set for March 11.
Read the full lawsuit here.
